Fractures of the malar bone. Follow-up study based upon a questionnaire.

During the years 1969-1976 214 patients with malar bone fractures were treated. A retrospective study was carried out and a follow-up by the aid of a questionnaire. The clinical judgement at 1 week after surgery showed good results. The follow-up study revealed, however, a poorer picture. Among the surgically treated patients who answered the questionnaire, 89 of 143 reported different complaints. Anaesthesia in the check and diplopia were the most common complaints. It seems anyhow that the process of regeneration of the sensible nerve takes longer than predicted. The pre-operative evaluation of the eye motility is of utmost importance.